10 FREE Activities in Des Moines, Iowa


Iowa state capital building, which you can tour for free

I love supporting local small businesses as much as possible, but sometimes during a trip, your wallet just needs a break. This is doubly true if you have a whole family to entertain! Here are 10 free activities you can do in the Des Moines metro area, sorted by type. 

If you want more information on free or low-budget activities in Iowa, check out my article about Waterloo-Cedar Falls and Dubuque. 

Free Markets in Des Moines

Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market

The Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market is truly a gem! Experience city blocks of food and art vendors, live music, and good old Saturday morning fun! The best part, is you don't have to buy anything to enjoy the vibes. Learn more here. 

Live Music and Farmers Market in Valley Junction

Not in town on a Saturday? No problem! The Neighborhood of Valley Junction, west of downtown Des Moines, has a bustling Thursday market on summer evenings, featuring a rotating selection of live music of all genres.   

Free Fine Arts in Des Moines

Des Moines Art Center

See surprisingly big names in art and carefully selected exhibitions by living artists, in the adorable Ingersoll part neighborhood, completely free of charge. In addition to the art it contains, the Des Moines Art Center building is an interesting subject in and of itself! Make sure you also check out the rose garden on the art center grounds before you leave. 

Mainframe Artist Collective

Looking to take some art home with you? Love talking to artists about their work? Mainframe is an artist collective hosting four floors of art studios, including painting, prints, crafts, photography, graphic design, and an entire glassblowing studio on the ground floor. Artists keep their own office hours. If you don't mind a crowd, visit the free open house on the first Friday of every month. 

Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra

If you love video game music, and you love a free concert, check out the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra. Musical selections and venues vary from concert to concert, but the spirits in the audience are always high. 

Pappajohn Sculpture Park 

In the heart of downtown Des Moines, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park is a great place for kids to get out their wiggles, snap some cute photos, and enjoy some fine art. This is a great add-on to a day of strolling the farmers market or shopping in East Village. Keep in mind that Monday through Saturday, most parking will be metered. 

Parks in the Des Moines Area

Ledges State Park

One of the most scenic state parks in the entire state happens to be only 40 minutes from downtown Des Moines! Day use of state parks is completely free in Iowa. Ledges State Park has premier hiking trails with great views of the river and bluffs. If you aren't in the mood for a moderate hike, ledges also has great picnic areas. Or, you can go creek-stopping in Peas Creek. 

Billy Riley Bike Trail

Need an outdoor option closer to the city center? The Billy Riley trail might be a great option for an easy and accessible hike. It's also a must-do if you are into biking, as many Iowans are. The 6-mile trail offers a lush, shaded path along the Raccoon River. This activity pairs well with Des Moines Art Center since it is located adjacent to one of the Billy Riley Trailheads

Free Tours and Museums in Des Moines

Iowa State Capital Building

Did you know that the Iowa State Capital offers free tours Monday through Saturday? You can find more information about it here. 

Iowa State Historical Society Museum

Yes, there is a completely free history and natural history museum here in Des Moines! Open Tuesday through Saturday, the Iowa State Historical Museum has exhibits on Iowa's famous Ragbrai bicycle tour, Iowa's efforts in the American Civil War, civics and legislation, and early settler history. 

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